RIPPINGTONS FEATURING RUSS FREEMAN
NOV. 2, 2005

Our second show at Ferguson Hall of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center began with an enjoyable set by keyboardist Allon Sams and Friends, featuring Gene Cannon on sax. Allon provided us with a selection of tunes from his recent CD, "Music and Laughter," as well as music from his previous CD "A Place in Time," well recognized by the audience from airplay on WSJT and from Allon's many appearances in the Tampa Bay region.

We hear that Allon is working on a new CD with producer Paul Brown, and we look forward to Allon reaching a much-deserved national audience with this collaboration. Also, look for the debut of Gene's new CD "Soul Dances," just completed with Allon.

Following Allon's entertaining set, the Rippingtons, featuring Russ Freeman, took the stage. Opening with "St. James Club" and "Brave New World," guitarist Russ Freeman led the audience through a journey of 19 years of favorites, featuring classic live Rippingtons songs, as well as several tunes from the latest CD, "Wild Card."

He graciously added "Villa by the Sea" from his solo CD "Drive" at our request, including it in a section of the set featuring his classical acoustic guitar. Russ and the band played "Villa" as if it had been a regular on the set list, mixing it superbly with the Spanish-influenced acoustic guitar songs from "Wild Card" such as "Spanish Girl." Thanks also to Russ for the dedication of "Black Diamond" to Ryan Koval, attending his first live concert ever! Saxophonist Eric Marienthal was excellent as always, and provided us with a jazzy version of "Compared to What" from his new CD, "Got You Covered."

Keyboardist Bill Heller, bassist Kim Stone, percussionist Scott Breadman, and drummer Dave Karasony supplied the strong sound that continues to make the Rippingtons one of the greatest live acts that smooth jazz offers.

The popular Hendrix medley brought this show to a high energy finish, with the audience satisfied by another awesome Rippingtons show and eagerly anticipating the 20 year anniversary CD and tour in late 2006.